The Netherlands – Meetings held by Jean-Yves Le Drian and Nathalie Loiseau with Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Stef Blok (Paris, 9 July 2018)
Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and Nathalie Loiseau, Minister for European Affairs, will receive Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Stef Blok today during his first visit to France in his current capacity.
This visit is taking place in the context of the close relations between France and the Netherlands, which give rise to regular exchanges at all levels. A French-Dutch seminar on European issues takes place regularly between our two countries.
As founding members of the European Communities, France and the Netherlands maintain constant dialogue on all European issues. The ministers will address issues relating to the Economic and Monetary Union, the Multiannual Financial Framework, the internal market, Brexit and migration issues, regarding which we must broaden our discussions. They will also discuss issues related to EU expansion, the rule of law and climate, regarding which we have similar positions.
The Netherlands is a key partner on many international issues and is participating in the work of the UN Security Council this year. The ministers will reaffirm the close cooperation between our two countries during discussions on key current issues: the forthcoming NATO summit, the fight against impunity and the proliferation of chemical weapons, nuclear disarmament matters (Iran, North Korea), as well as the external operations in which we are taking part together within the framework of the fight against terrorism and our common commitment in the Sahel region as well as the efforts to achieve a political solution in Syria and Libya.
As President Macron did so in St. Petersburg, the minister will also reaffirm France’s full support for the international investigation led by the Netherlands on the destruction of flight MH17 in July 2014.
Lastly, Jean-Yves Le Drian will discuss the quality of our bilateral relations with the Netherlands and will notably re-examine the Quadripartite Meeting that brought together representatives from the Dutch and French governments, the overseas territory of Saint Martin and the government of Sint Maarten on June 28 in Paris, reflecting our excellent cooperation on the island following the passage of Hurricane Irma.